Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: paul.fr on 02/10/2007 05:24:17

Title: Iron filings in space
Post by: paul.fr on 02/10/2007 05:24:17

If an astronaught were to release a big bag full of iron filings, would they form a line in the direction of on of earths poles?

Title: Iron filings in space
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 02/10/2007 07:16:08

I'd have thought they'd just burn up in the atmosphere as gravity pulled them down towards the Earth.

Title: Iron filings in space
Post by: lyner on 02/10/2007 10:38:14

Long before most of you were born there was a 'needles' experiment, in which a load of copper needles were launched into orbit several thousand miles high in an attempt to make a reflector for radio communications.
People all shouted that they would block out the Sun and worse.
I think they dispersed quite soon.

Title: Iron filings in space
Post by: eric l on 02/10/2007 18:29:14

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 02/10/2007 07:16:08

I'd have thought they'd just burn up in the atmosphere as gravity pulled them down towards the Earth.

They would remain close to the space ship as long as that space ship does not use power to change speed or direction.

Title: Iron filings in space
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 02/10/2007 18:31:01

Quote from: eric l on 02/10/2007 18:29:14

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 02/10/2007 07:16:08

I'd have thought they'd just burn up in the atmosphere as gravity pulled them down towards the Earth.

They would remain close to the space ship as long as that space ship does not use power to change speed or direction.

Not if they were catapulted